Amanda Lillard named new Westside Elementary principal

Block House Creek Elementary School Assistant Principal Amanda Lillard will be the new principal at Westside Elementary School.

Leander ISD Superintendent Dan Troxell made the announcement on Dec. 13, naming the successor to Tracie Montanio, who was named principal of LISD’s newest elementary school in October.

“I am excited to announce Amanda Lillard as the new principal for Westside Elementary,” Troxell said. “Amanda is a strong instructional leader who has demonstrated an ability to create a campus learning culture that sets high expectations and promotes learning for students and staff. Her dedication to student growth and deep passion for parent partnerships will serve to enhance the culture of success at Westside Elementary.”

Lillard began her career in 2005 as an elementary teacher in Cypress Fairbanks ISD before joining LISD at Cypress Elementary School as a first grade teacher in 2006. She taught first and fourth grade at Grandview Hills Elementary School from 2009–2014 and also served as acting assistant principal at River Ridge Elementary School in 2013.

Lillard has helped lead Block House Creek Elementary School as assistant principal since 2014.

“I could not be more honored to be joining the Westside Elementary family,” Lillard said. “With a strong culture already established, I look forward to continuing our campus’ great work of leading, growing and inspiring the leaders of our tomorrow. As we strive for student excellence for each child in our community, I know the partnerships that we form will provide the best education for our kids to flourish in their educational journey.”

Lillard earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at Texas A&M University, her teacher certification at UT-Pan American and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas State University.